POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel talks with Andrew Wheeler, Donald Trump's former Environmental Protection Agency chief, in today’s extended episode. They discuss what a second Trump administration would look like in terms of energy policy, why he thinks several of Biden’s climate rules aren’t likely to last, and if Wheeler is ready to take back his old job if his former boss wins the White House in November. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evenin...
May 20, 2024•25 min•Ep. 1147
The Biden administration announced several actions on Thursday to support U.S solar manufacturers, which could ultimately help create domestic jobs but also threaten America’s clean energy growth. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the moves and why solar imports continue to be a complicated political and policy issue for the president. Plus, the Interior Department proposed ending new federal coal leasing in the Powder River Basin in Wyoming and Montana, the nation's biggest coal field. F...
May 17, 2024•8 min•Ep. 1146
California Republicans are breaking with conservatives in other parts of the country who have echoed former President Donald Trump’s attacks on electric vehicles. POLITICO’s Alex Nieves breaks down why Trump and California Republicans diverge on EVs and what that means for auto manufacturers and policymakers. Plus, Trump will travel to Houston next week for a luncheon with about two dozen energy industry executives to talk about fundraising for his reelection campaign. For more news on energy an...
May 16, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1145
The Biden administration announced Tuesday that it will raise tariffs on electric vehicles, clean energy technologies, computer chips and metals imported from China – an escalation in the U.S. trade war with Beijing that has major energy implications. POLITICO’s Gavin Bade breaks down how the administration’s move will impact different energy industries and the politics behind the decision. Plus, a coalition of red states and the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association have asked a feder...
May 15, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1144
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission released highly-anticipated rules on Monday that aim to make it easier to build new interstate power lines and set criteria to figure out who should pay for them. The rules are critical to President Joe Biden’s clean energy agenda, but have been a contentious topic at FERC and on Capitol Hill. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down the details of these historic rules and the reaction from the Hill and industry. Plus, President Joe Biden plans to quadr...
May 14, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1143
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is expected to issue a new rule today that’s critical to America’s energy future: who will pay for badly-needed power lines? POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down the importance of this rule to President Joe Biden’s clean energy transition and why the issue has bedeviled lawmakers and presidential administrations for years. Plus, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) plans to support a Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the Biden administration’s ...
May 13, 2024•8 min•Ep. 1142
The U.S. oil industry is preparing for the possible return of Donald Trump to the White House by writing up executive orders and other policy paperwork that the former president could sign on day one. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down why this effort by the oil industry is a bit unusual and what they are preparing to do. Plus, 25 Republican-controlled states are suing the Biden administration to try and kill EPA’s controversial power plant rule. For more news on energy and the environment, sub...
May 10, 2024•7 min•Ep. 1141
America’s new top climate diplomat John Podesta and his equally fresh Chinese counterpart are meeting in Washington this week, marking the beginning of a more challenging era in US-China climate relations. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down this new dynamics expected as the two climate envoys meet face to face. Plus, the Department of Energy is taking a major step toward giving federal regulators new authority to override states when they decide to delay or block construction of new power lines....
May 09, 2024•8 min•Ep. 1140
President Joe Biden is betting that $1.6 trillion in spending and tax breaks embodied in his climate, infrastructure, chips and pandemic-relief laws can transform America. But a new monthslong POLITICO analysis found that a large portion of the money is still unspent, and the clock is ticking as the 2024 presidential election looms. POLITICO Energy host Josh Siegel chats with colleagues Jessie Blaeser and Ben Storrow to understand the reporting behind this project and what’s at stake for Biden’s...
May 08, 2024•17 min•Ep. 1139
The Federal Trade Commission is alleging in a new complaint that the head of one of the top oil producers in the United States tried to collude with OPEC to boost oil prices. The allegations could help Democrats try and turn the tables on Republicans who have been campaigning on high energy prices for months. POLITICO’s Ben Lefebvre breaks down the allegations and why they could give Democrats a new election weapon. Plus, for the first time, the European Commission has proposed sanctions on Russ...
May 07, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1138
President Joe Biden’s ambitious new drinking water rules for toxic forever chemicals could produce significant public health benefits. But they could also spur more sales of public water systems to private companies — a controversial move that could saddle local communities with higher costs. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down how Biden’s PFAS push may privatize water and what that means for consumers. Plus, the Biden administration released new rules that grant automakers some flexibility on h...
May 06, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1137
The Federal Trade Commission is allowing ExxonMobil to buy Pioneer Natural Resources, the biggest crude producer in the Permian Basin, on the condition that Pioneer’s founder does not serve on Exxon’s board because of his alleged contact with OPEC. POLITICO’s Matt Daily breaks down the significance of these allegations and how it raises questions about Big Oil. Plus, the Biden administration announced the next $3 billion tranche of funding to help remove lead pipes from drinking water systems. F...
May 03, 2024•8 min•Ep. 1136
The Biden administration released new permitting rules this week that aim to speed up the building of energy infrastructure while also giving communities more input. But the regulations are already facing pushback and larger permitting priorities remain unaddressed by Congress. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down how big of an impact Biden’s permitting regulations could have and the issues that remain. Plus, the Interior Department is taking another step toward auctioning offshore wind leases off...
May 01, 2024•8 min•Ep. 1134
Global leaders met in Ottawa, Canada, this past week for U.N. talks aimed at significantly curtailing the world’s plastic pollution. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman sat down with California Democrat Rep. Jared Huffman on the sidelines of the Ottawa talks to discuss the importance of reaching an ambitious deal, the deep domestic divisions and tricky global dynamics complicating the negotiations and why he isn't on board with the Biden administration's approach. For more news on energy and the environmen...
Apr 30, 2024•12 min•Ep. 1133
The U.S. solar industry is divided, and the split could significantly impact President Joe Biden’s climate agenda and America’s ongoing trade war with China. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down the domestic solar standoff and the president’s tricky balancing act as he races toward the 2024 election. Plus, the United Nations is drawing up new guidelines to help governments and companies access critical minerals in an environmentally and economically friendly way. For more news on energy and ...
Apr 29, 2024•8 min•Ep. 1132
The Biden administration finalized a highly-anticipated suite of regulations aimed at cracking down on pollution from coal-fired and new natural gas power plants – a major move in the president’s efforts to fight climate change. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the importance of the latest climate rules along with the expected political and legal challenges. Plus, the Energy Department finalized a new program that’s expected to nearly halve the average time for federal permitting of new power...
Apr 26, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1131
Domestic solar manufacturers are asking the Biden administration to investigate a record influx of cheap Chinese-linked solar panel components flowing into the United States – once again testing the president’s ability to balance his clean energy ambitions and trade goals. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down why domestic solar companies are taking this action and the administration’s response. Plus, the Interior Department took another step on Wednesday to help prop up the struggling offsho...
Apr 25, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1130
For years now, coal’s role in power production has been dramatically declining, but the industry’s short-term outlook is also about to get worse. POLITICO’s Alex Guillén breaks down the different political and regulatory challenges facing the coal industry and whether it has the political might to recover. Plus, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission just took a critical step aimed at bringing new nuclear technologies to market faster. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power S...
Apr 24, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1129
POLITICO Energy host Annie Snider sits down with Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) to talk about how the United States is at a critical juncture when it comes to accessing clean, safe and affordable water. Padilla, who is the leading voice on water issues in the chamber, discusses the Biden administration’s latest regulations, low-income assistance, and the Colorado River water crisis. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.pol...
Apr 22, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1127
The Interior Department is preparing to reject a controversial mining road in the remote Alaskan wilderness – a decision that highlights how the administration is trying to balance its clean energy and conservation goals while not harming tribal communities. POLITICO contributor Adam Federman breaks down why the administration might reject the project and the stakes for the energy sector. Plus, the Biden administration is moving to reimpose oil sanctions on Venezuela. For more news on energy and...
Apr 18, 2024•8 min•Ep. 1125
The World Bank, which begins its spring meetings today in Washington, is expected to play a key role in helping world governments fight climate change by giving them financing. But their efforts are facing geopolitical battles and key funding questions. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down the bank’s obstacles and the climate stakes. Plus, the U.S. grid could support nearly 100 gigawatts of new power through relatively simple technology upgrades according to a new report released by the Department...
Apr 17, 2024•8 min•Ep. 1124
Iran’s attack on Israel over the weekend has heightened tensions yet again in the Middle East, putting the global oil market on edge. POLITICO’s Matt Daily breaks down how the Israel-Iran conflict could increase world oil prices. Plus, the Biden administration has rejected industry arguments that called for a weakened air pollution rule. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-switch And for even deeper c...
Apr 16, 2024•6 min•Ep. 1123
The Biden administration approved another massive oil project in Texas, drawing criticism from environmental groups and highlighting the administration’s tricky balancing act on fossil fuel production. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down Biden’s ongoing oil conundrum. Plus, the Biden administration is urging a federal court to reconsider its Line 5 shutdown order. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free evening newsletter: https://www.politico.com/power-...
Apr 12, 2024•8 min•Ep. 1121
The Biden administration has finalized the first national standard to limit dangerous “forever chemicals” in the nation’s drinking water – the most significant upgrade to the system in over three decades. But the regulation will come with a hefty price tag and potential legal challenges. POLITICO’s Annie Snider breaks down the details, importance and steep cost of this rule. Plus, the backlog of clean energy resources trying to connect to the power grid jumped again in 2023. Annie Snider covers ...
Apr 11, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1120
Former President Donald Trump's potential return to the White House hangs over the upcoming United Nations negotiations aimed at securing a global plastics treaty agreement by the end of the year. POLITICO’s Jordan Wolman breaks down the importance of reaching a deal and how Trump is influencing the talks. Plus, U.S. coal exports are projected to decrease this year due to the deadly collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to P...
Apr 10, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1119
The Energy Department’s Loan Programs Office has only spent a fraction of the $200 billion pot it could use to fund ambitious new energy projects. POLITICO’s Kelsey Tamborrino breaks down why DOE’s LPO is moving slowly and what would happen to the remaining money under a second potential Donald Trump presidency. Plus, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore says the Port of Baltimore could be fully functional by the end of May. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free eve...
Apr 09, 2024•10 min•Ep. 1118
The U.S. power grid is facing growing domestic and international threats, and U.S. regulators say the risks are likely to climb as the 2024 election season ramps up. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse breaks down the latest warning from the nation's grid reliability authority. Plus, the 4.8 magnitude earthquake that hit parts of the East Coast on Friday seemingly did not damage any major power grid infrastructure. For more news on energy and the environment, subscribe to Power Switch, our free eveni...
Apr 08, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1117
The Energy Department is dramatically walking back new energy efficiency standards for distribution transformers – a move that highlights how the Biden administration is trying to balance its climate agenda and concerns from lawmakers, industry groups, and pro-union allies in an election year. POLITICO’s James Bikales breaks down why DOE is scaling down the rule and how Biden’s climate agenda is walking a tightrope. Plus, the European Union says carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and ind...
Apr 05, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1116
The Export-Import Bank of the United States is considering pouring billions of dollars into two massive foreign gas projects, which could put the independent federal agency at odds with the Biden administration’s climate agenda and pledge to transition off fossil fuels. POLITICO’s Zack Colman breaks down how Biden officials are responding and the awkward reality they face with independent federal agencies. Plus, a second federal judge has ruled that the Transportation Department overstepped when...
Apr 03, 2024•9 min•Ep. 1114
The Biden administration is pushing to revive a shuttered nuclear power plant in Michigan, but environmental justice and anti-nuclear activists are rejecting the president’s pitch. POLITICO’s Catherine Morehouse and Kelsey Tamborrino break down the tricky politics of restarting the Palisades nuclear plant. Plus, the Biden administration is handing out $4 billion to help spur domestic manufacturing of clean energy components and cut industrial emissions. For more news on energy and the environmen...
Apr 02, 2024•10 min•Ep. 1113